Director of Research - Scottsdale, United States - Kahala Brands

Kahala Brands

Verified Company

Scottsdale, United States

1 day ago

Posted by:

Mark Lane

beBee recruiter

Description

Kahala, a globally recognized leader in quick-service restaurant franchising, has an opportunity for a Director of Research & Development to join us in the corporate office in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Kahala franchisees and partners operate a portfolio of over 27 QSR brands including Cold Stone Creamery, Blimpie, TacoTime and Great Steak, among others, in over 20 countries around the world.

-
YOU SHOULD WORK FOR KAHALA_

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V

***: Serve as the primary R&D contact for Cold Stone Creamery and various other sweet brands, both domestically and internationally. Develop new products, procedures and process for assigned brands. Work closely with Purchasing and suppliers to procure products as needed. Monitor current industry trends, consumer insights and competitive restaurant/menu strategies. Function as the resident food scientist for Kahala Brands.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide innovative ideas for the development of new products and flavors for use domestically and/or internationally
Formulate new products from benchtop through commercialization
Conduct new product evaluations for quality, costs, ease of use/preparation while maintaining food safety and regulatory requirements specific to the menu development
Lead annual ideation sessions and present new products and flavors
Analyze feedback and results from product cuttings for specific product attributes
Assist in alternative mix development, identifying flavor alternatives, and reviewing special flavor/product requests for international Master Franchisees
Lead the communication, inspection and approval process for international dairies
Identify opportunities for competitive market advantage through creative prototype development
Monitor current industry trends, consumer insights and competitive restaurant/menu strategies
Review and assist with the flavor development of licensed food products
Evaluate products to identify opportunities for improvement in areas such as ingredient statements, nutritional facts, costs and shelf lives
Identify, review and approve potential ingredient, manufacturing and comanufacturing suppliers
Maintain accurate and organized records for product development, recipes, suppliers, spec sheets and ingredients
Share responsibilities for nutritional analysis using ESHA Genesis nutrition software
Meet with suppliers and manufacturers for prospective new products, ideations for new items, and improvements for existing items
Collect Kosher certificates annually from suppliers
Provide responses for consumer inquiries when relevant
Demonstrate technical expertise with emphasis on food science, food chemistry, shelf life, ingredient functionality, sensory techniques, ingredient processing interactions, analytical and test procedures, and recipe formulation
Offer thorough understanding of food safety in all aspects of the business including all products and ingredients, equipment, sanitation and cleanliness
Supervise assigned personnel
Participate in special events such as school tours, celebrity events and new franchisee training
Support various Ops Services team responsibilities and assist with headquarters events such as dry run fundraisers, employee lunches and employee activities (e.g., planning/setting up/hosting/breaking down headquarters events)

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

Passionate about food
Creatively inclined

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:

Bachelor of Science degree is required; Master's degree is beneficial
Degrees in Food Science and/or Dairy Science are preferred
Experience primarily in research and development with exposure to ice cream innovation and flavor development
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Strong presentation skills
Ability to handle a variety of different tasks at once, prioritizing and sequencing actions/decisions to move tasks toward execution
Organized, detailoriented and able to work independently, as well as part of a team
Enthusiastic, optimistic and serviceminded team leader
Demonstrated desire for continuous learning and improvement
Ability to travel domestically and internationally on occasion

Pay:
$100, $125,000.00 per year

Benefits: